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Frito Cowboy Cabbage: Easy, Savory & Crowd-Pleasing Dish

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Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining savory cabbage with robust ground beef and topped with crunchy Frito corn chips. This hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering comfort and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium-sized head of green cabbage (about 2–2.5 pounds), chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup non-alcoholic beer alternative (like non-alcoholic amber lager or stout) or additional beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Frito corn chips (original or Frito Chili Cheese for extra flavor)
  • Optional garnishes: shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Core and chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until completely browned. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and the non-alcoholic beer alternative (or extra beef broth). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper, or season to taste.
  6. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring to coat it with the sauce. Finally, stir in the rinsed and drained beans.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Once the cabbage is tender, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle portions into bowls and top each serving generously with Frito corn chips. Add optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Adjust spice levels to your preference, and always add Fritos just before serving to maintain their crunch. This dish can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/frito-cowboy-cabbage-easy-savory-crowd-pleasing-dish/